Brian, the main character in 'Hatchet', depends a great deal on the hatchet. Firstly, it helps him start a fire. He strikes the hatchet against a stone to create sparks and then uses dry leaves and twigs to make a fire. This fire is crucial for warmth, cooking, and scaring away wild animals. Secondly, he uses the hatchet to cut through things like vines and small trees when he is exploring or building his living area. It's really an essential tool for his survival in the wilderness.
A hatchet novel is a type of novel. It might refer to a book that has a certain style or theme related to a hatchet, perhaps using it as a central symbol or element in the story. For example, it could be a survival story where a hatchet is a crucial tool for the protagonist.
Definitely. Hatchet gives a realistic portrayal of survival in the wild. The skills needed and the difficulties faced by the protagonist are quite believable. But, like most works of fiction, it might have exaggerated certain elements to make the story more engaging.